Find background and support for nutrition education efforts related to food and nutrition labels, including labeling laws and regulations, the National Organic Program, inforamtion on trans fats and health claims, brochures, online tools and more...
Food Labels
Make Your Calories Count: Use the Nutrition Facts Label for Healthy Weight Management
DHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
This interactive online learning program helps consumers make healthy food choices while controlling calories.
The Story of the Laws Behind the Labels
DHHS. Food and Drug Administration.
The story of the Food and Drugs Act of 1906, The 1938 Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the 1962 Drug Amendments.
The National Organic Program
USDA. Agricultural Marketing Service.
Information on organic food standards, including labeling and marketing information.
Questions and Answers about Trans Fat Nutrition Labeling
DHHS. Food and Drug Administration.
Information on trans fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, including information about new labeling of trans fats.
Dietary Supplements
DHHS. Food and Drug Administration.
Explains how labeling regulations of dietary supplements differ from labeling regulations on foods.
What's on a Food Label? (PDF | 257 KB)
Kansas State University. Kansas State Cooperative Extension.
Background information on various food labels such as ingredient lists, allergens, code dating, religious symbols, and open dating.
KidsHealth Deciphering Food Labels
Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.
For parents. Explains the need for food labels, how to read food labels, and how to use food labels to compare products.
KidsHealth Figuring Out Food Labels
Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.
For kids. Explains the contents of a food label and how the label can be used.
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Food Labeling
DHHS. NIH. Library of Medicine.
Describes the purpose, recommendations, nutrient content claims, health claims, and product exceptions for food labels.
How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Panel on Food Labels
DHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
Information about how to use and understand the nutrition facts panel of a food label. Includes a detailed image of the nutrition facts panel.
Reading Food Nutrition Labels
American Heart Association.
Defines some of the terminology used on food labels. For example, explains the difference between "low fat" and "light".
Claims That Can Be Made for Conventional Foods and Dietary Supplements
DHHS. Food and Drug Administration.
Explains claims that can be made on food labels, such as health claims, structure/function claims, and nutrient content claims.
Trans Fat Now Listed With Saturated Fat and Cholesterol on the Nutrition Facts Label
DHHS. FDA. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
FDA has required that trans fat be added to the Nutrition Facts panel by January 1, 2006. This Web page discusses the new label regulations and educates consumers about trans fats. Also available in Spanish.
TeensHealth What do Food Labels Really Say?
Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth.
For teens. Explains the history of food labels, how to read them, and how to use the labels to compare different foods.
Foolin' Around With Food Labels
DHHS. Office on Woman's Health.
For kids. How to use food labels to make sure you are getting enough calcium each day.